Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.
Red Wine
Muriel 2020, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: Muriel Reserva Rioja is a dry, medium-bodied 100% Tempranillo from the historic village of Elciego in Rioja Alavesa that pours a classic garnet and opens with an elegant, traditional nose of sun-dried wild strawberry, pressed rose petal and orange peel zest, underpinned by warm notes of toasted hazelnut, clove-spiced wood and a fine thread of leather from its time in barrel. The palate is refined and food-friendly, with silky, chalk-fine tannins and a vibrant core of red fruit framed by lively acidity, carrying through to a lingering finish of dried herbs and gentle spice. Serve it at room temperature and enjoy from now through 2040, as this traditional-style Reserva has the structure and pedigree to reward another decade in the cellar. Winemaker Chema Ryan Murúa, who has dedicated his career to coaxing the best from Elciego's Tempranillo vines, crafts this wine in a house whose roots stretch back to 1926, when his great-grandfather José Murúa first established a winery in this very village. The name Muriel is itself a piece of Rioja poetry, woven from the family name Murúa, the region Rioja and the village Elciego. Try this alongside herb-crusted rack of lamb with roasted garlic, where the wine's earthy elegance is a natural partner, or pair it with a slow-cooked lamb and chickpea stew for a deeply satisfying and classically Spanish evening. Food pairings: grilled pork chops, game stews, lamb roast. Drink: 2025 - 2040 276030 13.5% XD 750 mL $21.95 Score: 92/100. May 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
Hola Mediterráneo Sparkling, Catalonia, Spain: From Catalonia, Hola Mediterráneo is an excellent value Charmat method bubble. Produced from organically grown Chardonnay, look for fresh tropical fruit, green apple crunch, pear and toasty nut flavours on a delightfully fresh, fizzy mousse. Elegant and appealing to anyone who loves bubbles, chill and enjoy it with fish and chips or chilled up on its own to toast in your guests over the holidays. Sparkling food pairings: tapas, Manchego cheese, salads, spicy grilled prawns. Drink: 2026 - 2030 39814 8.5% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 89/100. May 2026. Best Value Sparkling Wine Full Review Add to Shopping Cart